Sodexo Live!, hospitality partner to the world’s most iconic venues, today announced that Krystle Pitcher, a New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) graduate and the inaugural recipient of the Laurence Rua Memorial Scholarship, recently returned from Paris, France, where she completed a four-day immersive international training experience at the renowned Lenôtre Culinary Arts School.
The Laurence Rua Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of longtime Sodexo Live! team member, Laurence Rua, whose decades of service and leadership left a lasting mark on colleagues and guests alike. The scholarship celebrates his legacy by empowering the next generation of hospitality professionals, like Krystle, to pursue excellence with hands-on education through Sodexo Live!’s influential global network.
Awarded through an application process, the scholarship recipient is provided with the opportunity to train alongside Sodexo Live!’s world-class culinary team in Paris at Lenôtre Culinary Arts School, while exploring Sodexo Live!’s other area venues like Madame Brasserie and Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower, and more. The scholarship provides unparalleled exposure to international hospitality standards, techniques, and culture.
For Krystle, who dreams of opening a brunch café that blends Europe’s rich culinary traditions with the soulful flavors of Louisiana, learning from Lenôtre Chef Pascal Kamin, an ICC Catering World Champion, was an invaluable experience. After several intensive days of training, she was invited to prepare a dish that reflected her own culinary journey, inspired by her grandmothers and enhanced by her newly refined techniques. Just as food connects people across cultures, a shared passion for hospitality and the development of next-generation talent will continue to carry forward Laurence’s enduring legacy.
“This trip was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I created forever memories along the way,” said Krystle Pitcher. “I left this experience with even more confidence in my work, a deeper passion for cooking, and a sense of knowing that, as a self-taught chef, I can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. I’m grateful to Sodexo Live! for the opportunity and the honor of representing Laurence’s legacy.”
“This scholarship represents the very best of who we are – a global company connected by shared purpose and passion,” said Natasha Russ, Vice President of Human Resources North America, Sodexo Live!. “Laurence embodied hospitality at its highest level, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see his legacy live on through Krystle’s journey. It’s a testament to the power of mentorship, opportunity and our commitment to uplift future leaders.
Through this scholarship, Sodexo Live! continues to build bridges between its worldwide expertise and emerging talent. With operations spanning more than 500 venues and six Michelin stars worldwide, Sodexo Live!’s reach provides unmatched opportunities for professional growth, bringing together the best of the best to learn, share, and innovate.
Continuing her learning with Sodexo Live!, Krystle has embarked on her second internship with the team, now as a culinarian at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and National WWII Museum, bringing her expanded skillset to guests from around the world who gather in the heart of the Crescent City.
Media Contact
Amy Procaccini, Senior Manager of Brand & Communications, Sodexo Live!
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious convention, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers’ full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, the Rugby World Cup and the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
About Ecole Lenôtre
Founded in 1971 by the French chef Gaston Lenôtre, Ecole Lenôtre is a leading culinary school located near Paris. For over 50 years, the school has been dedicated to passing on the traditions and savoir-faire of French gastronomy to students, professionals, and culinary enthusiasts from around the world.
Ecole Lenôtre offers a wide range of programs for all levels: from comprehensive diploma courses in cooking, pastry, chocolate, and bakery for beginners and career changers, to advanced professional training courses designed to refine specialized skills and techniques. The school also provides tailor-made training and consulting programs to support culinary projects and business development.
In addition, Ecole Lenôtre hosts culinary workshops and team-building experiences, giving individuals and companies the opportunity to learn directly from expert chefs in a hands-on, professional kitchen environment. Guided by a spirit of generosity and a commitment to excellence, Ecole Lenôtre trains not only highly skilled professionals but also culinary ambassadors who showcase their talent and place benevolence at the heart of their work.